This incredible vintage Yves Saint Laurent brutalist bronze coral branch heart pendant/brooch was designed by Robert Goossens in the late 1970's or early 1980's. Goossens coral branch jewelry was featured in Yves Saint Laurent's runway shows in 1978, 1979 and in the early 1980's. You can wear it as a brooch or add a chain and wear it as a necklace. This is a very rare YSL statement piece we have never seen another one like it. 

Called, “Monsieur Bijou” "Mr. Jewel," Robert Goossens was a French jewelry designer who, at the young age 25, started creating jewelry for fashion houses including Schiaparelli, Chanel, Rochas, and Balenciaga. In 1953, Robert Goossens work caught the attention of Gabrielle Chanel. When she saw the first piece he made for her, she put it on and wore it the rest of the day. When he asked her if he liked it she replied that she wouldn't have worn it if she didn't. That began the long collaboration between Goossens and Chanel. In fact, It was Coco Chanel who suggested that he expand his talents for jewelry design to designing pieces for interiors. His tables, lamps and mirrors often mimicked the architectural elements of some of his jewelry pieces. Chanel and Goossens creative collaboration lasted until her death and he continued to design for the house of Chanel under the creative direction of Karl Lagerfeld.

Robert Goossens started working at the house of Yves Saint Laurent in 1974. He was encouraged by Loulou de la Falaise to create a line of bamboo jewelry for the African collection. He developed a close relationship with Yves Saint Laurent and they collaborated on jewelry collections that are now considered some of the most collectible. Goossens often created pieces in the shape of hearts and crosses, as well as many that were inspired by elements from nature. He continued to design jewelry, (and even YSL perfume bottles), until Saint Laurent closed his couture house in 2002. Goossens created the jewelry for the couturier’s final fashion show.